BENIGN ESSENTIAL BLEPHAROSPASM ( or BEB) is a focaldystonia—a neurological movement disorder involving involuntary and sustained contractions of the muscles around the eyes. The term essential indicates that the cause is unknown, but fatigue, stress, or an irritant are possible contributing factors. Blepharospasm may appear as frequent blinking, squinting of both eyes, spasms of eyelid closure, or simply difficulty in keeping the eyes open. Blepharospasm is often misdiagnosed because of lack of awareness of the condition. Too often it may be initially diagnosed erroneously and effective treatment delayed.

Botulinum toxin injections, pharmacotherapy, surgical intervention, patient education and membership in various support groups, constitute the best conventional treatments for a patient with benign essential blepharospasm (BEB).

The main form of treatment is botulinum toxin injections into the muscles around and near the eyes. The exact location of the injections sites can vary from person to person which is why it may take some time for your doctor to establish the best sites for you. Currently there are three different “brands” of botulinum toxin: Botox from Allergan, Dysport from Ipsen and Xeomin from Merz.